Bluffton, SC (June 27, 2025) – The Bluffton Township Fire District has once again been recognized as a Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) Community, marking its sixth consecutive year earning the designation. The District received its official certificate during a special recognition ceremony held Friday, June 13, at the 2025 South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Bluffton was among 208 fire departments statewide honored for their leadership in fire prevention and community risk reduction.
The Fire Safe SC designation highlights fire departments that excel in reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities through education, data reporting, and community engagement.
Bluffton Township Fire District serves the Town of Bluffton and the unincorporated areas of Southern Beaufort County, excluding the Town of Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island. The District protects approximately 76,000 residents and thousands of annual visitors.
Led by Battalion Chief Terry Sheriff, the District’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division develops and delivers proactive safety programs aligned with Fire Safe SC and Vision 20/20 national strategies. The CRR Division includes Public Information Officer Stephen Combs and CRR Educators Haley Frazier and Sam Dulla, who collectively support the District’s mission:
“To efficiently protect the lives and property of our community in a kind and professional manner.”
“This recognition reflects years of dedication from our team and strong partnerships throughout the community,” said Battalion Chief Sheriff. “Being a Fire Safe SC Community means we don’t wait for emergencies to happen—we work to prevent them.”
Home Fire Safety: A Core Priority
A key component of the Fire Safe SC program is home fire safety—specifically the availability and maintenance of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, fire extinguishers, and escape planning. The District’s Smoke Alarm Program is offered free of charge to residents and focuses on ensuring every household is properly protected.
In 2024 alone:
- 162 new smoke alarms and 25 CO alarms were installed in 246 homes, many with no existing protection.
- The team replaced 407 outdated smoke alarms, 400 batteries, 3 CO alarms, and 25 CO alarm batteries.
- 6 Hard of Hearing (HOH) bed shaker alarms were installed through a partnership with SC State Fire.
Residents also receive on-site education about modern fire risks, proper use of fire extinguishers, and the importance of using interconnected alarms throughout the home.
Additional 2024 CRR Division Highlights:
- Delivered 115 CPR/AED classes, training nearly 1,000 residents in lifesaving skills.
- Conducted child passenger safety seat checks at multiple stations.
- Placed new and maintained existing public access AEDs across the community to support Bluffton’s goal of becoming a Heart Safe Community.
- Reached more than 30,000 people through over 100 community events, including safety presentations, school programs, and station tours.
Bluffton Township Fire District has maintained its Fire Safe SC designation every year since 2019, continuing to meet rigorous benchmarks in fire data reporting, firefighter education, and strategic public outreach.
“Recognition is an honor—but the real impact is in the lives we make safer every day,” added Sheriff. “We’re proud to be part of a statewide movement helping communities like ours thrive.”